The Society of Jesus in Timor Leste has just renewed the contract with the Diocese of Dili pertaining to the administration of the Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Railaco and the parochial school NOSSEF. The contract is for the duration of 25 years. The Jesuits has been in Railaco since 2001 doing pastoral works as well as running the parochial high school and the various social action ministries such as the mobile clinic and the feeding program. The Railaco mission was elevated as a full parish in October, 2017.
The new contract sets another milestone for the Jesuits in Timor Leste and the parishioners of Railaco. In order to sustain its programs, the Parish in Railaco, since 2003, has also been receiving strong support from the Parish of St. Canice in KingsCross, Sydney which is often referred to by the people of Railaco as their “sister” parish. Signing the contract are Most Rev. Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, DD, the bishop of the Diocese of Dili, Fr. Joaquim Sarmento, SJ, the Superior of the Jesuits. Signing as witnesses are Fr. Ludgério Martins da Silva, the chancellor of the diocese and Fr. Violanto Soares, SJ, the national director of Apostleship of Prayer.
On the occasion of the signing, Bishop Virgilio also expressed his gratitude for the Society of Jesus for running the mission in Railaco and hopes that this contract will be an opportunity for the community of Railaco and the Jesuits to collaborate for a greater good of the parish. “The Jesuits’ pastoral mission in Railaco brought in some changes in the spiritual and livelihood of the people in Railaco, and the community has also expressed that they love the presence of the Jesuits in their midst. The Jesuits have reached every corner of the Railaco even in very remote areas, they contribute to education, and also help in the infrastructure of the parish. Therefore, Diocese of Dili trusts the Jesuit Mission in Railaco and hopeful that the 25-year contract will be an opportunity for the pastoral mission of the Jesuits to do more and accomplish more in the community and the church”, uttered Bishop Virgilio.
Regional Superior of the Jesuits in Timor – Leste, Fr. Joaquim Sarmento, SJ, also expressed his gratitude for the Diocese of Dili in entrusting Railaco to the Society of Jesus since 2003. On behalf of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Joaquim wholeheartedly expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Jesuits and the people of Railaco for this 25-year contract which is a sign of trust and will be an opportunity to serve the local church.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam +
